(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
International Bureau
(43) International Publication Date
26 September 2002 (26,09.2002)
(10) International Publication Number
PCT WO 02/075107 Al
(51) International Patent Classification 7 : E21B 43/10,
41/00
(21) International Application Number: PCT/GB02/01315
(22) International Filing Date: 20 March 2002 (20.03.2002)
(25) Filing Language:
(26) Publication Language:
English
English
(30) Priority Data:
0106820.4
20 March 2001 (20.03.2001) GB
(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): WEATH-
ERFO RD/LA MB, INC. [US/USJ; 515 Post Oak Blvd.
Suite 600, Houston, Tx Texas 77027 (US).
(72) Inventors; and
(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): SIMPSON, Neil,
Andrew, Abercromble [GB/GB]; Burn of Daff Farm.
Downies, Portlethcn, Aberdeen AB12 4QX (GB).
MACKAY, Alexander, Craig [GB/GB]; 1 3 Skene Square,
Aberdeen AB25 2UU (GB).
(74) Agents: MCCALLUM, William, Potter et al.; Cruik-
shank & Fainveather, 19 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow
Gl 3AK (GB).
(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL. AM, AT, AU,
AZ, BA, BB, BG. BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CI J,
CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FT, GB, GD, GE, Gil,
GM, HR. HU, ID, 1L, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
LK, LR, LS. LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG,
SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM. TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ,
VN, YU. ZA. ZM, ZW.
(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
KE, LS. MW, MZ. SD, SL. SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW),
Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
European patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR,
GB, GR, Hi, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent
(BF, BJ, CF. CO. CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR,
NE. SN, TD, TG).
[Continued on next page]
(54) Title: TUBING SEAL
3RDAD FORMED GRDDVF
o
(57) Abstract: A method of forming a seal between two tubular members (30, 32) comprises providing a first tubular member (30)
^ having an internal surface and an external surface describing a 6rst diameter, with a recess (34) in the external surface at a seal
portion of the first tubular member. A deformable circumferentially extending sealing member (36) is located in the recess, the
O scaling member describing an external diameter no greater than the first diameter. The first tubular member (30) is located within
^ a second tubular member (32) and the seal portion of the first tubular member (30) is expanded such that the sealing member (36)
^ engages an inner surface of the second tubular member (32).
WO 02/075107 Al liHllBWiaiCllBMIDJimHClPlB
Published: For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
~ wit " international search report ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations'' appearing at the begin-
ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
TUBING SEAL
Aspects of this invention relate to a tubing seal, and
in particular to a method and arrangement for producing a
5 seal between two tubing sections. Other aspects of the
invention relate to a tubing anchor, and to a method and
arrangement for anchoring one tubing section relative co
another. The different aspects of the invention have
particular utility in downhole applications.
10 in many instances it is desired to provide a seal
between two overlapping tubing sections in a downhole
environment. Where space permits, the seals may be formed
of elastomeric packer elements or perhaps as metal-to-metal
seals which are energised by spring packs or the like.
15 However, in many applications there will not be sufficient
space to accommodate such a sealing arrangement , for
example in thin-wall cubing, and in such cases the seals
are more often provided in the form of O-ring or chevron
sealing members. It has also been proposed to create seals
20 around expandable tubing using sealing members in the form
of bcinds of relatively soft metal, as described in
PCT/GB99/04365 . In such cases, in order to create an
effective seal, it is necessary for the sealing member to
extend beyond the surface of the tubing. This makes the
25 seal vulnerable to damage and dislodgement as the tubing is
run into the bore.
It is among the objectives of aspects of the present
invention to provide a method of forming a seal which
obviates' or mitigates these and other disadvantages of the
30 prior art .
in other instances it is desired to anchor or secure
WO 02/075107
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one tubing section or tool relative to another. This is
often achieved by means of slips, typically fingers or keys
having a serrated or grooved outer face which co-operate
with wedges or cams to push the slips radially outwards to
5 engage with surrounding casing. However, such slips, and
the associated slip energising or setting arrangement,
occupy a relatively large volume. As described in
applicant's International (PCT) Application No
PCT/GB9904365, it has been proposed to overcome this
10 difficulty in some situations by providing a hanger
arrangement in which inner tubing carrying small hard
elements on its outer surface is expanded into engagement
with surrounding tubing. However, the gripping elements
are exposed to damage as the inner tubing is run into the
15 bore and may, for example, be scraped from the tubing by
contact with a ledge or other restriction. Also, the
relatively hard elements may score or scrape the relatively
soft material of the existing casing, or bore restrictions
such as valve seats, as the tubing is run in.
20 It is among the objects of other aspects of the
invention to provide an anchoring arrangement which
obviates or mitigates these disadvantages.
According to a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of forming a seal between two
25 tubular members, the method comprising:
providing a first tubular member having an internal
surface and an external surface, the external surface
describing a first diameter;
providing at least one recess in said external surface
30 at a seal portion of the first tubular member while
retaining the wall thickness of the tubular member;
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3
locating a deformable sealing member in the recess
such that the sealing member describes an external diameter
no greater than said first diameter;
locating the first tubular member within a second
5 tubular member; and
expanding at least the seal portion of the first
tubular member such that the sealing member engages an
inner surface of the second tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention
10 there is provided a seal-forming arrangement comprising;
a first tubular member having an internal surface, and
an external surface describing a first diameter, the
tubular member defining at least one recess in said
external surface at a deformable seal portion of the first
15 tubular member, said seal portion having a wall thickness
substantially equal to the wall thickness of the tubular
member adjacent said seal portion; and
a deformable sealing member in the recess, the sealing
member describing an external diameter no greater than said
20 first diameter,
wherein expansion of at least the seal portion of the
first tubular member increases the diameter of the sealing
member to at least said first diameter.
Preferably, the sealing member initially describes a
25 diameter less than said first diameter, that is the outer
surface of the sealing member is recessed from the exterior
of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of forming a seal between two
30 tubular members, the method comprising:
providing a first tubular member having an internal
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surface and an external surface describing a first
diameter;
providing at least one recess in said external surface
at a seal portion of the first tubular member;
5 locating a deformable circumf erentially extending
sealing member in the recess and such that the sealing
member describes an external diameter no greater than said
first diameter;
locating the first tubular member within a second
10 tubular member; and
expanding at least the seal portion of the first
tubular member such that the sealing member engages an
inner surface of the second tubular member-
According to a further aspect of the present invention
15 there is provided a 9eal-forming arrangement comprising:
a first tubular member having an internal surface, and
an external surface of a first diameter, the tubular member
defining at least one recess in said external surface at a
deformable seal portion of the first tubular member; and
2 0 a deformable sealing member in the recess, the sealing
member describing an external diameter no greater than said
first diameter,
wherein expansion of at least the seal portion of the
first tubular member increases the diameter of the sealing
25 member to at least said first diameter.
As the sealing member is located within the recess,
and does not initially extend beyond the external surface
of the first tubular member, the sealing member is
protected from damage during handling and running into the
30 second tubular member. This is particularly useful in
downhole applications, in which the first tubular member
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5
may have to pass through several thousand metres of tubing
defining ledges, restrictions and other hazards, before
reaching che sealing location.
Where reference is made to a second tubular member,
this is intended to encompass any appropriate tubing or
bore, including a bore formed in a non-cylindrical object,
and a drilled bore in an earth formation.
The recess may take any appropriate form, and
preferably will be in the form of an annular or part-
annular depression. Alternatively, adjacent surface
portions of the first tubular member may be upset, or may
define ribs or other projections to protect the sealing
member.
The recess may be formed by one or more of a variety
of methods, including; deforming the first tubular member
at said seal portion to create a localised reduction in
external diameter, which may occur while retaining the wall
thickness of the tubular member,- or moving or removing
material from said seal location to create a region of
reduced wall thickness. Alternatively, the tubular member
may be cast or otherwise formed with the recess.
The sealing member receiving recess may itself be
provided within a larger recess. This provides still
further protection for the sealing member; for example,
fluid flowing in an annulus between che firec and second
tubular members will decelerate on encountering the larger
recess, and chus there is less likelihood of the sealing
member being washed out of the recess.
The sealing member may be formed of any appropriate
material, including an elastomer or a metal, which metal
may be relatively ductile or, alternatively, may be adapted
WO 02/075107
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6
to experience only elastic deformation in the creation of
a sealing contact with the second tubing member.
On expanding the seal portion, the sealing member may
be deformed to a lens-shaped cross-section.
5 Preferably, the seal portion is expanded by rolling
expansion, with an expansion member being rotated within
the first tubular member with a face in rolling contact
with an internal surface thereof. Such expansion creates
a hoop stress in the first tubular member, which tends to
10 increase the ability of the member to withstand external
compressive or crush forces, including external fluid
pressure. Most preferably, the seal portion is deformed by
compressive plastic deformation, which may produce a
localised reduction in wall thickness and a subsequent
15 increase in diameter.
The first tubular member may be expanded only at or in
the area cf the seal portion, or an extended portion of the
tubular member may be expanded; this may be useful in
anchoring the first tubular member in the- second tubular
2 0 member.
Preferably, a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart
circumferential seal members are provided.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
method of forming a coupling or anchor between two tubular
25 members, the method comprising:
providing a first tubular member having an internal
surface and an external surface describing a first
diameter;
providing at lease one recess in said external surface
3 0 at an anchor portion of the first tubular member;
locating an anchoring member in the recess,- the
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7
anchoring member describing an external diameter no greater
than said first diameter,-
locating the first tubular member within a second
tubular member; and
5 expanding at lea9t the anchor portion of the first
tubular member such that the anchoring member engages an
inner surface of the second tubular member*
According to another aspect of the present invention
there is provided an anchor- forming arrangement comprising:
10 a first tubular member having an internal surface, and
an external surface of a first diameter, the tubular member
defining at least one recess in said external surface at a
deformable anchor portion of the first tubular member; and
an anchoring member in the recess, the anchoring
15 member describing an external diameter no greater than said
first diameter,
wherein expansion of at least the anchor portion of
the first tubular member increases the diameter of the
anchoring member to at least said first diameter.
20 As the anchoring member is located within the recess,
and does not initially extend beyond the external surface
of the first tubular member, the anchoring member is
protected from damage during handling and running into the
second tubular member and will itself not cause damage to
25 the second tubular member -
The anchoring member may be formed of any appropriate
material, and typically is formed of a relatively hard
material, that is a material harder than the material of
the tubular member. The anchoring member may take any
30 appropriate form, and is preferably in the form of a ring,
which may be split or otherwise segmented. The member may
WO 02/075107
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8
define serrations or teeth. Alternatively, the anchoring
member may be in the form of a volume or area of hard
material, or an area of blocks or pieces of relatively hard
material .
5 The anchoring member may be releasable, that is the
member may be movable to disengage from the an inner
surface of the second tubular member. This may be achieved
by moving the engaged anchor member relative to the second
tubular member to locate the anchor member above a groove
10 or the like, or by otherwise removing support for the
anchor member.
The invention also relates to a method of reinforcing
a thin- walled tubular member against crush forces, the
method comprising-.
15 locating a thin-walled first tubular member within a
larger diameter second tubular member; and
expanding the first tubular member by rolling
expansion to create a hoop stress in the member and to
bring an outer surface of the first member into contact
2 0 with the second member,
whereby subsequent collapse of the first member
requires circumferential compression of the wall of the
first member or deformation of the second member.
This aspect of the invention allows relatively thin
25 walled tubing to be utilised as, for example, a patch or
straddle in circumstances where the tubing, before
expansion, would not be capable of resisting the external
pressure forces which the expanded tubing will experience.
This allows use of thinner wall and thus less expensive
30 tubing, and also facilitates expansion of the tubing.
These and other aspects of the present invention will
WO 02/075107
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now be described, by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic sectional view of portions
of the walls of two tubing members of a seal-forming
5 arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, prior to expansion of the inner tubing member.
Figure 2 corresponds to Figure 1, but shows the tubing
walls after expansion of the inner tubing member;
Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate afceps in the creation
10 of a seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention and utilising the seal formling arrangement of
Figure 1;
Figures 4 and 5, 6 and 7, 8 and 9, 10 and 11, and 12
and 13, are diagrammatic sectional views of portions of the
15 walls of tubing members of seal forming arrangements in
accordance with further embodiments of the present
invention, shown prior to and following expansion of the
inner tubing member, respectively,-
Figure 14 is a diagrammatic sectional view of portions
20 of the walls of tubing members of a tubing coupling
arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of a lurcher
aspect of the present invention, prior to expansion of the
inner tubing member;
Figure 15 corresponds to Figure 14, but shows the
25 tubing walls after expansion of che inner tubing member;
Figures 16a, 16b and 16c illustrate the expansion of
the inner tubing member of Figure 14;
Figures 17a, 17b and 17c illustrate an alternative
expansion process for the inner cubing member of Figure 14;
30 Figures 13 and 19 are diagrammatic sectional views of
portions of the walls of tubing members of a tubing
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10
coupling arrangement in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention, shown prior to and following
expansion of the inner tubing member, respectively;
Figure 20 is a diagrammatic sectional view of portions
5 of the walls of two tubing members of a coupling
i
arrangement in accordance with a stilli further embodiment
of the present invention, prior to expansion of the inner
tubing member;
Figure 21 corresponds to Figure 20, but shows the
10 tubing walls after expansion of the inner tubing member;
Figures 22a and 22b show steps in the creation of the
coupling arrangement of Figure 21/
Figure 23 is a diagrammatic sectional view of portions
of the walls of two tubing members of a coupling
15 arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, prior to expansion of the inner tubing
member;
Figure 24 corresponds to Figure 23, but shows the
tubing walls after expansion of the inner tubing member;
20 Figures 25a and 25b show 9teps in the release of the
coupling arrangement of Figure 24;
Figure 26 is a diagrammatic sectional view of portions
of the walls of two tubing members of a coupling
arrangement in accordance with yet another embodiment of
25 the present invention, prior to expansion of the inner
tubing member;
Figure 27. corresponds to Figure 26, but shows the
tubing walls after expansion of the inner tubing members-
Figures 28a and 29b show steps in the release of the
30 coupling arrangement of Figure 27; and
Figures 29, 30 and 31 are perspective, side and
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11
sectional views of an inner tubing member of a coupling
arrangement in accordance with a still further embodiment
of the present invention.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings,
5 which illustrates parts of portions of the walls of first
and second tubular members 30, 32 of a seal-forming
arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The larger diameter outer second tubing member
32 may be located downhole in the form of, for example,
10 metal bore-lining casing. The inner first tubing member 30
may be part of a packer or the upper end of a section of
bore-lining casing or liner which is to be sealed relative
to the second tubing member 32, as will be described.
Machined in an outer face of the first tubing member
15 30 is an annular groove 34, which groove is occupied by a
sealing member in the form of an elastomeric sealing ring
35. The outer surface of the sealing ring 36 has a maximum
diameter which is less than the adjacent portions of the
tubing member 30.
20 To form a seal between the tubing members 30, 32, the
first tubing member 30 is expanded by a rolling expansion
process which reduces the thickness of the wall of the
first tubing member from T to t, as illustrated in Figure
2, and further decreases the depth of the groove 34 from D
35 to d. The reduction in depth of the groove 34, which
results in the groove 34 being shallower than the sealing
ring 36, urges the sealing ring 36 radially outwards
relative to the outer surface of the tubing member 3 0 and
into sealing contact with the inner surface of the second
3 0 tubing member 32.
Reference is now made to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c of the
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12
drawings, which illustrate the expansion of the inner
tubing member 30. The Figures illustrate an expansion
device 38 including a body 40 carrying three piston-mounted
rollers 42 . The device 38 is mounted on an appropriate
running string (not shown) . and by supplying pressurised
fluid to the interior of the body 40 the rollers 42 are
urged radially outwards and into contact with the inner
wall of the first tubing member 30. If the device 38 is
rotated and axially advanced, the rollers 42 reduce the
wall thickness of the tubing member 30, and thereby
increase the diameter of the member 30. Thus, the sealing
arrangement as illustrated in Figure 2 may be formed.
Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings illustrate an
arrangement in which the groove 50 which receives the
sealing ring 52, in the form of an elastomer 0-ring, is
formed in the first tubing member 54, while retaining the
wall thickness at the seal portion 56 of the member 54, in
contrast to the reduction in wall thickness which occurs
when the groove is machined, as illustrated in Figure 1
above .
As will be noted from Figure 4, forming the groove in
the tubing member 54 creates an inner shoulder or
protrusion 56, however following expansion of the tubing
member 54, utilising a similar method as that illustrated
in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, the member 54 presents a smooth
inner surface. In this example, che sealing ring 52 is
illustrated as initially being in the form of an 0-ring
which, following expansion of the first tubing member 54,
is deformed to a lens shape 60, occupying a shallow
depression of corresponding shape 61. The configuration of
the deformed sealing ring 60 provides for a large contact
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13
area with both the outer surface of the first tubing member
S4 and the inner surface of the outer second tubing member
62. Further, the area of the deformed seal 60 exposed to
pressurised fluid attempting to pass between the tubing
5 members 54, 62 is relatively small, such that the pressure
forces acting on the sleeves 60 will also be relatively
small .
Reference is now made to Figure 6 and 7 of the
drawings, which show an alternative groove and sealing
10 member configuration, in particular the formed groove 70
being relatively broad, and the sealing member 72 having a
corresponding axial extent, and being relatively shallow
such that the outer face of the sealing member 72 lies
below the outer surface of the first tubing member.
15 Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings illustrate an
arrangement in which a sealing member 80 is located in a
machined narrow groove 82 itself formed in the middle of a
machined bread groove 84, this configuration offering
additional protection for the sealing member 80 while the
20 first tubing member 86 is being run into the bore.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figures 10 and 11,
a sealing member 90 is located in a machined narrow groove
32 itself located centrally within a relatively broad
formed groove 94 .
25 In Figures 12 and 13, a sealing member 100 is located
in a formed narrow groove 102 itself located centrally
within a formed broad groove 104.
It will be noted by comparing the different forms of
groove arrangements that the use of formed grooves tends to
30 result in a greater degree of deformation of the sealing
member. Thus, the form of the groove and the form of the
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14
sealing member may be varied according to the intended
application.
Reference is now made to Figures 14 and 15 of the
drawings, which illustrate portions of the wall of first
5 and second tubing meirbers 110 and 112 of a coupling
arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the further
aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment a ring
slip member 114 having a toothed outer face is located in
a machined groove 116 located centrally within a relatively
10 broad formed groove 118. As will be described, if the
first tubing member 110 is expanded by rolling expansion,
the thickness of the first tubing member 110 is reduced
from T to t, with a corresponding increases in diameter,
the formed groove 118 is "removed" , and the depth of the
15 machined groove 116 relative to the adjacent outer surface
of the first tubing member 110 is reduced from D to d .
One example of the expansion process is illustrated in
Figure 16, and utilises an expansion device 38 similar to
the device described above with reference Figures 3a, 3b
20 and 3c. The expansion process is illustrated in 16a, 16b
and 16c, and involves rotation and axial advancement of the
energised expansion device 38. Following expansion of the
first tubing member 110, the teeth on the outer surface of
the ring slip member 114 engage the inner face of the
25 second tubing member 112, as illustrated in Figure 15.
A slightly different expansion operation is
illustrated in Figure 17a, 17b and 17c of the drawings,
however in this case the degree of expansion is selected
such that the broad formed groove 118 is retained in the
30 expanded first tubing member 120, although the groove 122
is of decreased depth with respect to the original groove
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15
in the unexpanded member.
Figures 18 and 19 illustrate an alternative anchoring
or coupling arrangement, in which a ring slip member 124 i9
located in a relatively narrow machined groove 126.
5 Reference is now made to Figures 20, 21 and 22a and
22b, which show a further alternative arrangement in which
a ring slip member 130 is located in a narrow machined
groove 132 positioned centrally within a broader formed
groove 134. In addition, substantially conventional O-ring
10 seals 13 6, 137 are located above and below the groove 134
and provide a seal between the outer surface of the first
tubing member 136 and the inner surface of the second
tubing member 140. Also, a fluid communicating passage 142
extends between the internal bore of the first tubing
15 member 138 and the groove 134.
To engage the ring slip member 13 0 with the second
tubing member 140, and lock the first tubing member 133
relative the second tubing member 140, an expander is
passed through the first tubing member 13 8 to "take out 11
20 the protrusion 144 created in forming the groove 134.
After expansion, and as illustrated in Figure 21, a
slightly shallower groove 14 6 is retained in the expanded
tubing .
To subsequently release the first tubing member 138
25 from the second tubing member 140, a tool 148 is run into
the bore to provide fluid communications between the tool
interior 150 and the fluid port 142, as illustrated in
Figure 22a. If pressurised fluid is then supplied through
the tocl 148 and into the groove 146, the tubing wall
30 around the ring slip member 130 may be plastically deformed
to such an extent that the ring slip member 130 is moved
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16
radially inwards, out of engagement with the inner surface
of the second tubing member 140, as illustrated in Figure
22b.
Reference is now made to Figures 23, 24 and 25 of the
5 drawings, which are a diagrammatic sectional views of
portions of the walls of two tubing members 156, 158 of a
coupling arrangement in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention. In this embodiment, a ring slip
member 16 0 is located in a machined groove 162 in the inner
10 tubing member 156, the groove having a shallow portion 162a
and a deeper portion 162b. The slip member 160 is
initially located in the shallow groove portion 162a, and
is retained there by a shear pin 164.
The ring slip member 160 is engaged with the outer
15 tubing 158, to lock the tubing members 156, 158 together,
in a similar manner to the above described embodiments,
that is by passing an expander through the inner tubing
member 156. The ring slip 160 may or may not be split,
however during the locking process the slip member 160 is
20 n.ot deformed completely past the yield point of the
material; this provides a restoring force to facilitate
release of the member 160, as described below.
To release the inner tubing member 156, an upwards
force is applied to the inner tubing member 156, which
25 force may be applied mechanically or hydraulically . The
release force must be sufficient to shear the pin 164,
allowing the tubing 156 to move upwards relative to the
outer tubing 158 and the slip member 160, which is of
course iocked relative to the tubing 158. This relative
30 movement positions the slip member 160 in the deeper
portion of the groove 162b (Figure 25a), and subsequent
WO 02/075107
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17
movement of the tubing 156, combined with the restoring
force within the elastically deformed member 160, moves the
slip member radially inwardly and into the deeper slot
portion 162b (Figure 25b)., thus releasing the tubing 156
5 such that it may be withdrawn or otherwise- moved in the
bore .
Reference is now made to Figures 26 to 28 of the
drawings, which are diagrammatic sectional views of
portions of the walls of two tubing members 170, 172 of
10 another releasable coupling arrangement. • The arrangement
differs from that of Figures 23 to 25 in that the ring slip
member 174 features a tapering profile, as does the
machined groove 176 in which the slip member 174 ±3
located. The setting and release procedures are the same
15 as for the embodiment of Figures 23 to 25, however load is
supported against the interference of the slip member 174
compressively on the tapered groove profile, as opposed to
on the upper face or flank of the slip member
Reference is now made to Figures 29, 30 and 31, which
20 illustrate tubing 260 forming part of a hanger system in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The tubing.
260 defines two circumferential grooves 262, 263 which
accommodate resilient sealing members (not shown) .
Further, the tubing 260 defines a number of formed recesses
2 5 which accommodate generally circular slip areas 264 formed
of small blocks of relatively hard material held in a
softer matrix.
When the tubing 260 is located within a larger
diameter tubing (not shown) , and expanded as described
3 0 above, the sealing members in the grooves 262, 263 form
seals with the outer tubing, and the blocks of material in
the slip areas 264 key into this surrounding larger
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18
diameter tubing. Thus, the expanded tubing 260 is sealed
and anchored within the larger diameter tubing.
It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
the above -described embodiments provide relatively simple
5 yet effective means for sealing and anchoring a thin wall
tubing member within a larger diameter tubing. Further,
the provision of one or both of an anchor and a seal may be
achieved without any significant loss of diameter, and the
arrangement of 9eals and slip members is such that the
0 seals and slip members are protected from damage while
running in and are thus more likely to provide an effective
sealing and anchoring arrangement.
It will further be apparent to those of skill in the
art that the above-described embodiments are merely
5 exemplary of the present invention, and that various
modifications may be made thereto without departing from
the present invention. For example, the invention is not
limited to use in thin wall tubing, and may be utilised in
any deformable tubing. Further, the deformable tubing may
0 form part of a larger tubing member which is otherwise non-
deformable, or not intended for deformation.
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
19
CLAIMS
1. A method of forming a seal between two tubular
members, the method comprising:
providing a first tubular member having an internal
5 surface and an external surface, the external surface
describing a fir9t diameter;
providing at least one recess in said external surface
at a seal portion of the first tubular member while
retaining the wall thickness of the tubular member;
10 locating a deformable sealing member in the recess
such that the sealing member describes an external diameter
no greater than said first diameter;
locating the first tubular member within a second
tubular member; and
15 expanding at least the seal portion of the first
tubular member such that the sealing member engages an
inner surface of the second tubular merrier.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second tubular
member is located downhole.
20 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member
initially describes a diameter less than said first
di araeter .
4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess
is provided in the form of an annular depression.
25 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the annular depression
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
20
is formed at least in part by deforming the first tubular
member at 9aid seal portion to create a localised reduction
in external diameter.
6. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein the
5 sealing member receiving recess is provided within a larger
7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein on
expanding the seal portion, the seal member is deformed to
assume a lens -shaped cross-section.
10 8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the
seal portion is expanded by rolling expansion, with an
expansion member being rotated within the first tubular
member with a face in rolling contact with an internal
surface thereof.
15 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the seal portion is
deformed by compressive plastic deformation, producing a
localised reduction in wall thickness and a subsequent
increase in diameter.
10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the
2 0 first tubular member is expanded only at or in the region
of the seal portion.
11. The method of any of claims l to 9, wherein an
extended portion of the tubular member is expanded.
12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
21
plurality of longitudinally spaced sealing members are
provided ac the seal portion of the first tubular member
and expanding said seal portion of the first tubular member
brings the sealing members into engagement with the inner
5 surface of the second tubular member.
13 . The method of any o£ the preceding claims wherein said
first tubular member is thin-walled and the seal portion
thereof is expanded by rolling expansion to create a hoop
stress in the member and to bring the external surface of
10 the first member into contact with the second member,
whereby subsequent collapse of the first member requires
circumferential compression of -the wall of the first member
or deformation of the second member.
14. A seal -forming arrangement comprising:
15 a first tubular member having an internal surface, and
an external surface describing a first diameter, the
tubular member defining at least one recess in said
external surface at a deformable seal portion of the first
tubular member, said seal portion having a wall thickness
20 substantially equal to the wall thickness of the tubular
member adjacent said seal portion; and
a deformable sealing member in the recess, the sealing
member describing an external diameter no greater than said
first diameter,
2 5 wherein expansion of at least the seal portion of the
first tubular member increases the diameter of the sealing
member to at least said first diameter.
15. The arrangement of claim 14, wherein the first tubular
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
22
member is tubing adapted for location downhole.
16. The arrangement of claim 14 or 15, wherein the sealing
member initially defines a diameter less than said first
diameter.
17. The arrangement of claim 14 , 15 or 16, wherein the
recess is in the form of an annular depression.
18. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the annular
depression is defined by a localised reduction in external
diameter of the first tubular member.
19. The arrangement of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the
sealing member receiving recess is located within a larger
recess.
20. The arrangement of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the
sealing member is of an elastomer.
21. The arrangement of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the
sealing member is of a ductile metal.
-22. The arrangement of any of claims 14 to 2l # wherein a
plurality of longitudinally spaced sealing members are
provided on the first tubular member.
23. A method of forming a seal between two tubular
members, the method comprising:
providing a first tubular member having an internal
surface and an external surface, the external surface
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
23
describing a firsc diameter;
providing at least one recess in said external surface
at a seal portion of the first tubular member;
locating a deformable sealing member in the recess
S such that the sealing member describes an external diameter
less than said first diameter;
locating the first tubular member within a second
tubular member; and
expanding at least the seal portion of the first
10 tubular member such that the sealing member engages an
inner surface of the second tubular member.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the second tubular
member is located downhole .
25. The method of claim 2 3 or 24, wherein the recess is
15 provided in the form of an annular depression.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the annular depression
is formed at least in part by deforming the first tubular
member at said seal portion to create a localised reduction
in external diameter.
20 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the deformation of the
first tubular member at said seal portion occurs while
retaining the wall thickness of the tubular member.
23. The method of claim 2S, wherein the deformation of the
first tubular member at said seal portion is achieved by at
25 least one of moving or removing material from said seal
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
24
location to create a region of reduced wall thickness.
29. The method of any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the
sealing member receiving recess is provided within a larger
recess.
30. The method of any of claims 23 to 29, wherein on
expanding the seal portion, the seal member is deformed to
assume a lens-shaped cross-section.
31. The method of any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the seal
portion is expanded by rolling expansion, with an expansion
member being rotated within the first tubular member with
a face in rolling contact with an internal surface thereof.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the seal portion is
deformed by compressive plastic deformation, producing a
localised reduction in wall thickness and a subsequent
increase in diameter.
33. The method of any of claims 23 to 32, wherein the
first tubular member is expanded only at or in the region
of the seal portion.
34. The method of any of claims 23 to 32, wherein an
extended portion of the tubular member is expanded.
35. The method of any of claims 23 to 34, wherein a
plurality of longitudinally spaced sealing members are
provided at the seal portion of the first tubular member
and expanding said seal portion of the first tubular member
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
25
brings the sealing members into engagement with the inner
surface of the second tubular member.
36. The method of any of claims 23 to 35, wherein said
first tubular member is thin-walled and the seal portion
thereof is expanded by rolling expansion to create a hoop
stress in the member and to bring the external surface of
the first member into contact with the second member,
whereby subsequent collapse of the first member requires
circumferential compression of the wall of the first member
or deformation of the second member.
37. a seal-forming arrangement comprising:
a first tubular member having an internal surface, and
an external surface describing a first diameter, che
tubular member defining at least one recess in said
external surface at a deformable seal portion of the first
tubular member; and
■ a deformable sealing member in the reces9, the sealing
member describing an external diameter less than said first
diameter,
wherein expansion of at least the seal portion of the
first tubular member increases the diameter of the sealing
member to at leas- said first diameter.
38. The arrangement of claim 37, wherein the first tubular
member is tubing adapted for location downhole.
39. The arrangement of claim 37 or 33, wherein the recess
is in the form of an annular depression.
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
26
40. The arrangement of claim 3 9, wherein the annular
depression is defined by a localised reduction in external
diameter of the first tubular member.
41. The arrangement of claim 40, wherein the wall
S thickness of the tubular member is retained at the seal
location.
42. The arrangement of claim 40, wherein there is a region
of reduced wall thickness at the seal location.
43. The arrangement of any of claims 37 to 42, wherein the
10 sealing member receiving recess is located within a larger
recess.
44. The arrangement of any of claims 37 to 43, wherein the
sealing member is of an elastomer.
45. The arrangement of any of claims 37 to 43, wherein the
15 sealing member is of a ductile metal.
46. The arrangement of any of claims 37 to 45, wherein a
plurality of longitudinally spaced sealing members are
provided on the first tubular member.
47. A method of forming a coupling or anchor between two
2 0 tubular members, the method comprising:
providing a first tubular member having an internal
surface and an external surface describing a first
diameter;
providing at least one recess in said external surface
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
27
at an anchor portion of the first tubular member;
locating an anchoring member in the recess , the
anchoring member describing an external diameter no greater
than said first diameter;
5 locating the first tubular member within a second
tubular member; and
expanding at least the anchor portion of the first
tubular member such that the anchoring member engages an
inner surface of the second tubular member.
10 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the second tubular
member is located downhole.
49. The method of claim 47 or 48, wherein the anchoring
member initially describes a diameter less than said first
diameter.
15 50. The method of any of claims 47 to 49, wherein the
recess is provided in the form of an annular depression.
51. The method of any of claims 47 to 50, wherein the
recess is formed at least in part by deforming the first
tubular member at said anchor portion to create a localised
20 reduction in external diameter.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the deformation of the
first tubular member at said anchor portion occurs while
retaining the wall thickness of the tubular member.
53. The method of claim 51, wherein the deformation of the
25 first tubular member at said anchor portion is achieved by
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
28
at least one of moving or removing material from said
anchor location to create a region of reduced wall
thickness .
54. The method of any of claims 47 to 53, wherein the
5 anchoring member receiving recess is provided within a
larger recess .
55. The method of any of claims 4 7 to 54, wherein the
anchor portion is expanded by rolling expansion, with an
expansion member being rotated within the first tubular
10 member with a face in rolling contact with an internal
surface thereof .
SS . The method of claim 55, wherein the anchor portion is
deformed by compressive plastic deformation, producing a
localised reduction in wall thickness and a subsequent
15 increase in diameter.
57. The method of any of claims 47 to 56, wherein the
first tubular member is expanded only at or in the region
of the anchor portion.
58. The method of any of claims 47 to 56, wherein an
2 0 extended portion of the tubular member is expanded.
59. The method of any of claims 47 to 58, wherein a
plurality of longitudinally spaced anchoring members are
provided at the anchor portion of the first tubular member
and expanding said anchor portion of the first tubular
25 member brings the anchoring members into engagement with
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
29
the inner surface of the second tubular member ♦
60. The method of any of claims 47 to 59 wherein said
first tubular member is thin- walled and the anchor portion
thereof is expanded by rolling expansion to create a hoop
stress in the member and to bring at least a portion of the
external surface of the first member into contact with the
second member, whereby subsequent collapse of the first
member requires circumferential compression of the wall of
the first member or deformation of the second member.
61. The method of any of claims 47 to 60, further
comprising disengaging the anchoring member from the inner
surface of the second tubular member.
62. The method of claim 61 , wherein said disengagement is
achieved by moving the anchoring member relative to the
first tubular member.
62. A coupling arrangement comprising:
a first tubular member having an internal surface, and
an external surface describing a first diameter, the
tubular member defining at least one recess in said
external surface at a deformable anchor portion of the
first tubular member; and
an anchoring sealing member in the recess, the
anchoring member describing an external diameter no greater
than said first diameter,
wherein expansion of at least the anchor portion of
the first tubular member increases the diameter described
by the anchoring member to at least said first diameter.
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
30
64. The arrangement of claim 63, wherein the first tubular
member is cubing adapted for location downhole.
65. The arrangement of claim 63 or 64 , wherein the
anchoring member initially defines a diameter less than
5 said first diameter.
66. The arrangement of claim 63, 64 or 65, wherein the
recess is in the form of an annular depression.
67. The arrangement of any of claims 63 to 66, wherein the
recess is defined by a localised reduction in external
10 diameter of the first tubular member.
63. The arrangement of claim 67, wherein wall thickness of
the tubular member is retained at the anchor location.
63. The arrangement of claim 67, wherein there is a region
of reduced wall thickness at the seal location.
15 70. The arrangement of any of claims 63 to 69, wherein the
sealing member receiving recess is located within a larger
recess .
71. The arrangement of any of claims 63 to 70, wherein the
anchoring member is of a relatively hard material.
20
72. The arrangement of any of claims 63 to 71, wherein the
anchoring member is in the form of a ring.
73. The arrangement of any of claims 63 to 71, wherein the
WO 02/075107
PCT7GB02/01315
31
anchoring member is in the form of an area of relatively
hard material.
74. The arrangement of any of claims 63 to 73, wherein the
anchoring member is arranged to be retractable.
5 75. The arrangement of claim 74, wherein the anchoring
member is initially releasably retained in a shallow part
of a recess in the external surface of the first tubular
member and is movable to a deeper part of said recess.
76. The arrangement of any of claims 63 co 75, wherein a
10 plurality of longitudinally spaced anchoring members are
provided on the first tubular member.
77. A method of reinforcing a thin-walled tubular member
against crush forces, the method comprising:
locating a thin-walled first tubular member within a
15 larger diameter second tubular member; and
expanding the first tubular member by rolling
expansion to create a hoop stress in the member and to
bring an outer surface of the first member into contact
with the second member,
20 whereby subsequent collapse of the first member
requires circumferential compression of the wall of the
first member of deformation of the second member.
02/075107
1/15
PCT/GB02/01315
WO 02/075107
2/15
PCT/GB02/01315
WO 02/075107
3/15
PCT/GB02/01315
WO 02/075107
4/15
PCT/GB02/01315
BROAD FORMED GRDDVE
WO 02/075107
5/15
PCT/GB02/01315
MACHINED BROAD GROOVE
WITH MACHINED NARROW GRODVE
0
WO 02/075107
6/15
PCT/GB02/01315
BROAD FORMED GROOVE
WITH MACHINED NARROW GROOVE
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
7/15
FORMED BROAD GROOVE
WITH FORMED NARROW GROOVE
s
+>
O
WO 02/075107
8/15
PCT/GB02/01315
RING SLIP IN BROAD GRDOVE
WO 02/075107
9/15
PCT/GB02/01315
SETTING SEQUENCE
RING SLIP IN BROAD GROOVE
(COMPLETE DEFORMATION)
WO 02/075107
10/15
PCT/GB02/01315
SETTING
RING SLIP IN
(RESIDUAL
SEQUENCE
BROAD GROOVE
GROOVING)
WO 02/075107
11/15
PCT/GB02/01315
RING SLIP IN NARROW GRDDVE
r
fl aunt f\
WO 02/075107
12/15
PCT/GB02/01315
RELEASING SYSTEM FDR
RING SLIP IN BRDAD GRODVE
x
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
13/15
RELEASABLE RING SLIP - PARALLEL
H fig.13 v ,^2_ b
140
I ~, l—^X
WO 02/075107
14/15
PCT/GB02/01315
RELEASABLE RING SLIP - TAPERED
fig.27
WO 02/075107
PCT/GB02/01315
15/15
RECESSED SPDT FACE
HANGER SYSTEM
SECTION A-A
PTLH-S-1149
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
nal Application No
PCT/GB 02/01315
A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
IPC 7 E21B43/10 E21B41/00
According to International Patent Classfflcation (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
B. FIELDS SEARCHED
Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
IPC 7 E21B
Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent thai such documents an Included In the fields searched
Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practical, search terms used)
EPO-Internal
C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
Category ' Citation oi document, with Indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
Relevant to claim No.
US 6 189 616 Bl (GANO JOHN C ET AL)
20 February 2001 (2001-02-20)
column 13, line 37-53; figures 6A-10
1,2,4,5,
8-10,
12-15,
17,18,
20-22,
47-53,
55-60,
63-68,
71-73,
76,77
3,6,7,
16,19,
23-29,
33,
35-46,
54,69,70
-/--
m
Further documents are listed in the continuation of box C.
ID
Patent family members are feted In annex.
• Special categories of cited documents :
"A' document defining the general state of the art which Is not
considered to be of particular relevance
earlier document but published on or after the International
filing date
V document which may throw doubts on priority daim(s) or
which is cited to establish the publication dale of another
citation or other special reason (as specified)
"O* document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or
other means
*P* document published prior to the international fling date but
later than the priority date claimed
T later document published after the International filing dale
or priority date and not in conflict with the application but
cited to understand the principle or theory underlying (lie
invention
•X* document of particular relevance; the claimed invention
cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
involve an inventive step when the document Is taken alone
*Y' document of particular relevance; the claimed Invention
cannot be considered to Involve an Inventive step when the
document Is combined with one or more other such docu-
ments, such combination being obvious to a person skilled
In the art.
• V document member of the same patent family
Date of (he actual completion of the International search
19 June 2002
Dale of mailing of the international search report
28/06/2002
Name and mailing address of the ISA
European Patent Office. P.B. 5618 Palentlaan 2
NL-2280HVRIJswljk
Tel. (+31-70) 340-2040, Tx. 31 651 epo nL
Fax: (♦31-70) 340-3016
Authorized officer
ott, s
Form PCX ASA/21 0 (aacond short) (Ju>y IBS?)
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
liMPtlonal Application No
PCT/GB 02/01315
^Continuation) DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
Category*
Citation of document, wflh indication.where appropriate, of the relevant passages
Relevant to claim No.
X
Y
US 5 083 608 A (ABDRAKHMANOV GABDRASHIT S
ET AL) 28 January 1992 (1992-01-28)
abstract; figures 1,2,7
1,2.4,5,
8,9,
11-15,
17,18
31,32,34
Y
WO 01 18353 A (E2 TECH LTD ;INNES GARETH
(GBV OOSTERLING PETER (NL^
15 March 2001 (2001-03-15)
oaae 4 line 16 - line ?6- fiaurp ^
3,6,16,
19,
23-29,
31-41,
43-46,
54,70
v
I
US 5 494 106 A (GUEGUEN JEAN-MARIE ET AL)
27 February 1996 (1995-02-27)
figure 3A
7
Y
GB 2 345 308 A (PETROLINE WELLSYSTEMS LTD
;ASTEC DEV LTD (GB))
5 July 2000 (2000-07-05)
figures 9,10
42,69
P,X
WO 01 33037 A (STEWART R BRUCE ;C00K
ROBERT LANCE (US); COWAN KENNETH MICHAEL
(US) 10 May 2001 (2001-05-10)
figure 4
1,14,23,
37
Form PCT /ISA/210 (cwrfnurfloo ol second shoot) (July 1992)
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
Information on patent family members
IflMatlonaJ Application No
PCT/GB 02/01315
Patent document
Publication
Patent family
Publication
cited In search report
data
member(s)
date
US 6189616
Bl
20-02-2001
US
6135208 A
24-10-2000
EP
0961007 A2
01-12-1999
US 5083608
A
28-01-1992
CA
2006931
C
24-10-1995
WO
9005833 Al
31-05-1990
AU
623123
B2
rt7-nc_iQQO
V/ UJ
AU
3188389 A
12-06-1990
EP
0397874
Al
22-11-1990
DE
3855789 Dl
20-03-1997
JP
2710680
B2
10-02-1998
OP
3502350 T
NO
300987 Bl
25-08-1997 ;
WO 0118353
A
15-03-2001
AU
7020700 A
10-04-2001
EP
1210501
Al
05-06-2002
WO
0118353 Al
15-03-2001
NO
20021080 A
19-03-2002
US 5494106
A
27-02-1996
FR
2717855 Al
29-09-1995
GB 2345308
A
05-07-2000
AU
1867900
A
12-07-2000
AU
1868700
A
12-07-2000 i
AU
1868800
A
12-07-2000
AU
1868900
A
12-07-2000
AU
1876600
A
12-07-2000
AU
1876800
A
12-07-2000
EP
1147287
A2
24-10-2001
EP
1141517
Al
10-10-2001
EP
1141515
Al
10-10-2001
EP
1144802
A2
17-10-2001
EP
1151180
Al
07-11-2001
EP
1141518
Al
10-10-2001
WO
0037766
A2
29-06-2000
WO
0037771
Al
29-06-2000
WO
0037768
Al
29-06-2000
WO
0037767
A2
29-06-2000
WO
0037772
Al
29-06-2000
WO
0037773
Al
29-06-2000 S
GB
2346632
A
16-08-2000
GB
2346400
A
09-08-2000
GB
2346909
A
23-08-2000
GB
2347445
A
06-09-2000
NO
20012596
A
27-07-2001
NO
20012597
A
27-07-2001
NO
20012598
A
30-07-2001
NO
20012599
A
30-07-2001
NO
20012600
A
30-07-2001
NO
20012865
A
07-08-2001
US
2002060079
Al
23-05-2002
WO 0133037
A
10-05-2001
AU
1356601
A
14-05-2001
WO
0133037 Al
10-05-2001
Form PCT.iSA/2to (paienl famJry am ax) (July 1992)
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